Tours of old Masonic Temple in Jackson offered as renovations continue

JACKSON, MI -- The Jackson School of the Arts is working to restore a piece of downtown Jackson history while expanding its organization.

The school and the city have been working together to open a new arts center in the old Masonic Temple, 145 W. Cortland St., after restoring the building. Renovations have already begun, with the city nearing completion of exterior infrastructure, JSA Executive Director Kim Curtis said.

JSA plans to offer tours of the temple from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 15. Doors open at 5 p.m.

“Opening a center of the arts downtown will contribute to its revitalization in a way that a new restaurant wouldn’t," Curtis said. “Downtown needs a healthy mix of businesses.”

The arts center will include dance and art studios, exhibits, a hands-on discovery center, retail space and a cafe, she said. JSA has been raising money to relocate the organization and renovate the building, which was built in 1907. The fundraising campaign has gathered $2.1 million of a $3 million goal, Curtis said.

The building was once a Vermeulen Furniture store before being acquired by the city for $100 on Aug. 31, 2017. The five-story building, designed by Claire Allen, features tall ceilings, a theater space with a small stage and balcony, an elevator and restrooms on every floor.

“Seeing the architecture inside is a wonderful experience because they don’t make buildings like this anymore,” Curtis said. “It’s an appreciation of Jackson’s history. We appreciate the future more when we understand the history.”